The main objective of this bachelor’s thesis is to assess the possibilities of solar energy usage
at Annikoru Seed Center’s Grain Dryer. An additional aim is to conduct a profitability study
on potential photovoltaic power plant solutions.
Grain dryer’s electrical energy consumption analysis showed that on average the annual
consumption capacity of the dryer complex was around the 200 MW∙h mark. This made it
clear that the dryer complex was a large energy consumer and producing some of the annually
needed energy from solar resources would cut costs on electricity. It would also indirectly
help with reducing the consumption of fossil fuels.
Analysis and assessments on the photovoltaic array placement options concluded that there
were 3 potential array placement possibilities, from which one was excluded. In general a
conclusion was made, that the complex and its surrounding grounds are well suited for
placing photovoltaic arrays. Thus it was deduced that the dryer complex has good potential
for solar energy production.
Results from the profitability study showed that different photovoltaic station setups would
become cost effective within 7…11 years. It was concluded that the profitability period is
mainly determined by the stations initial building costs and not so much by its power
capacity.